The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1887-04-08

Minerva Woodford tossed wakefully
npon her bed that night. 1t was the first
great trouble of her life. First troubles
are so bitter
EVERYTHING REQUIRED to her-every-
thing that Miss Perkins had told her
concerning Mrs. Darrell. The widow was
Young and pretty. Why should Jason
care for her2 She had come from the
city and was bright with city ways and
city talk. She seemed to have money IN
abundance. oh. it was cruel, The whole
thing was cruell
Minerva fell asleep only toward the
dawn. She rose pale and heavy-eyed for
the morning, yet strong in the intention
Of concealing her grief.
The summer day dragged heavily
toward noon, more heavily after. Time
was so long, so long. II seemed a cen
turv since Aliss Perkins had been there
with her tale of Jason Hawkes. devotion
to the young widow But the dream was
over 1t was Minerva's task to forget
their plighted VOWS, to forget the hand
some face that bad been so dear to her.
Probably he would leave the village
when he had married the widow.
Mineryas eyes grew dim; she felt a
choking sensation and stepped to the
open door, hoping the soft summer
breeze would cool her hot forehead.
As she stood there she suddenly heard
a sharp cry of distress, then something
tore past in the road, beating up the vel
low dust in binding clouds.
"a runaway" she said, and her heart
seemed to cease beating for an instant
She ran down the path and out into
the road. The horses had dashed on, but
something OF wreck was perceptible q
short distance off.
Minerva thought she could see some
one lying by the roadside She ran on
toward it at her utmost speed.
.'Oh, Jason, Jasoni' she moaned.-
Not dead, thank Heaven, Only
stunned, perhaps. She raised his head,
loosened his collar and asked herself
what next.
Turning for q moment she looked back
down the road and saw some one going
in at her own gate. 1t was a woman.
She few back toward home to ask help
of whomever it might be.
1t was Mrs. DARRELL She was very
pale. and addressed the girl anxiously.
I'm afraid an accident has hap
pencd Mr.. Hawkes.. His team ran
away
He is lying in the road unconscious"
Minerva interrupted. "Will you help
me some way to"
''Let US go quickly" said the other.
And so they had not lost an instant.
Jason had come to himself
BADLY shaken up, that's all, he said,
with an unnervsd laugh. and, leaning on
their arms, limped back to Minerals
home.
Minerva drew up the armchair in the
sitting room, and left him there with
Mrs. Darrell, going herself into the
kitchen to make cooling drink for her
guests, perforce.
Through the open door between the
rooms She could hear Jason's voice
gloomy and disturbed.
"Good thing, perhaps, if had been
killed. Wouldn't have cared much
"Oh, hut you shouldn't say that, " the
soft voice of Mrs. Darrell replied. "'You
ought to care. Things may come right,
you know"
NIinerya's heart seemed to twist up
within her in a sudden jealous frenzy.
She could fancy just how the widows
dark, soft eyes were gazing into his;
just how her white and graceful hand
lay on his arm.
Yes, things might come right. But
why should Jason speak gloomIlyl She
had given him his freedom.
The hand with which she offered him
the glass of lemonade shook percep-
tibly.
Did Jason observe it,
II am going away to morrow, Miss
Woodford, - he said, rather stitily. per
haps Imay carry your good wishes with
me. greatly regret having made you
this trouble.
The widow had slipped out on the
porch.
st is no trouble whatever. Mr..
Hawkes., replied Minerva
Miss Woodford, - said soft, smooth
voice from out among the roses: won't
yol please come out here momant?'
Minerva obeyed
The widow came near the girl and laid
her gentle hand upon her arm.
II have heard so much of YOU she
said, in low tone. al feel as if we
might be friends. 1 have been trying
to come aud see you for so long; I wa
on my way this morning. I'm afraid
you feel unkindly toward poor Jason.
Please, don't feel so. He has not been
to blame1--
Minerals heart was boiling within her.
She answered with an effort.
81 was not aware of any unkind feel
ings. 1t can interest you very little how
I feel"
"oh, but pardon me. 1t interests me
exceedingly
"oh!n said Minerva, with sudden
sarcasm. ITO be sure, l forgot. VIII
you permit me to congratulate Mr..
Hawkesln
MIS- Darrell looked perplexed.
Congratulate, For WHAT"
Upon his engagement to you SAID
Minerva with little gasp.
"You-foolish-child! Who put such
nonsense in your head" Mrs. Darrell
was actually laughing. "Did you fancy
why. child, am SIX years older than
he. Hesides-I am to marry his cousin
! rank, who is in Europe now. thought |
he had told you. There, now, run in
to him and make ii all up. I'm off for
the present. But Ill be back
Minerva t-rned into the house with |
checks ahamo,
.'.ason," She said. Il think I !
was too hasty last night. lit was a
Jason sprang to his feet and drew her
into his arms
"Who was it that came gossiping to
YOUR Wasn't it Miss Perkins.n
Eyes, - said Minerva, slowly. at was |
Miss Perkins But l don't believe her |
now. "--Nsp York Journal.